McDonald’s to Invest $8.5 Billion in Restaurant Remodels Including New PlayPlaces

McDonald’s disclosed a $8.5 billion investment program spanning the next ten years that will fund restaurant remodels, technology upgrades and operational improvements. Executive vice president Jill McDonald said the plan includes "upgraded play places, improved dining rooms and more open kitchens." The company intends to bring back bright, colorful PlayPlaces with jungle gyms, slides and interactive activity boards such as a "McMini Crew" station where children can role-play as staff.

The PlayPlaces were closed in March 2020 for health reasons and many locations have not reopened them, prompting criticism from parents who miss the indoor playgrounds. McDonald’s did not specify how many existing sites will be retrofitted or whether new locations will receive PlayPlaces.

The spending plan, which allocates about $5 billion through 2030, is expected to contribute roughly 2.5 % of systemwide sales growth by 2027 and about 2 % by 2030. Chief people officer Tiffanie Boyd, speaking at the company’s Investor Day, said the "Make it Golden" strategy will provide training and tools for employees to deliver "great food and great hospitality."

Shares in McDonald’s fell nearly 5 % after the announcement, while competitor Burger King reported a 5.6 % gain over the same period.